A Study of Energy, Fuel Cells and Energy Efficiency Dalia Zygas West Leyden High School, District 212 IIT Research Mentor: Donald J Chmielewski This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant No. EEC-0502174. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Overview Chemistry Honors/ Chemistry Grades 10 and 11 Time requirement : 9 class periods

Overview Objective Content exothermic / endothermic reactions - DH (enthalpy) of combustion calculations simple stoichiometric calculations with thermochemical equations the operation of a steam engine, internal combustion engine and a fuel cell 1st Law of Thermodynamics and efficiency calculations global warming critical evaluation and comparison of fuels and energy sources

Overview Inquiry Design Engine Exploration Design (modify prototype) and build the most efficient Hero’s engine Students will find a source of energy inefficiency in their community and design an alternative system (supported with calculations) involving energy and financial savings

Overview Ethics – Module Synthesis- Fuel comparison- What other factors besides efficiency need to be considered? Students develop a list of criteria to evaluate different fuels and sources of energy. Students evaluate fuels using multiple perspectives. i.e. government, environmentalist, business, etc. – Students will find a source of energy inefficiency in their community and design an alternative system (supported with calculations) involving energy and financial savings

Overview Illinois Learning Standards 11.A.5b Design procedures to test the selected hypotheses. 11.A.5c Conduct systematic controlled experiments to test the selected hypotheses. 11.A.5d Apply statistical methods to make predictions and to test the accuracy of results. 11.B.5a Identify a design problem that has practical applications and propose possible solutions, considering such constraints as available tools, materials, time and costs. 11.B.5b Select criteria for a successful design solution to the identified problem. 11.B.5c Build and test different models or simulations of the design solution using suitable materials, tools and technology.

Illinois Learning Standards Overview Illinois Learning Standards 11.B.5d Choose a model and refine its design based on the test results. 12.C.5a Analyze reactions (e.g., nuclear reactions, burning of fuel, decomposition of waste) in natural and man-made energy 13.A.5a Design procedures and policies to eliminate or reduce risk in potentially hazardous science activities. 13.B.4d Analyze local examples of resource use, technology use or conservation programs; document findings; and make recommendations for improvements. 13.B.5c Design and conduct an environmental impact study, analyze findings and justify recommendations

Illinois Learning Standards Overview Illinois Learning Standards 11.B.5f Using available technology, prepare and present findings of the tested design solution to an audience that may include professional and technical experts. 13.B.5d Analyze the costs, benefits and effects of scientific and technological policies at the local, state, national and global levels (e.g., genetic research, Internet access). 11.B.5e Apply established criteria to evaluate the suitability, acceptability, benefits, drawbacks and consequences for the tested design solution and recommend modifications and refinements.

List of topics covered by “teacher notes” Background List of topics covered by “teacher notes” Activity/experiment answer keys Assistance for experiment set up Student background knowledge Conversions using dimensional analysis/factor label (metric- English, grams to moles, derived units such as gallons/hour or moles /L ) Ideal Gas Law Basic balancing equations and stoichiometry Familiarity with calorimetry and the energy unit “Joule”

Examples Lessons Balancing review, combustion reactions Enthalpy of Combustion activity Fuel comparison activity Engine exploration 1st Law of Thermodynamics & Efficiency lesson Global warming & Fuel Cell web lesson

Project Design project or experiments Design and build the most efficient Hero’s engine by performing design modifications on a prototype Bus experiment- measure the efficiency of a diesel school bus Fuel cell experiment- measure the efficiency of model fuel cell vehicles

Hero’s engine prototypes Hero’s engine design experiment materials: Fuel cell model cars Hero’s engine prototypes Hero’s engine design experiment materials: nylon cord, 8 meter sticks, 8 Florence Boiling Flasks 250 mL, Copper wire AWG18, Stopwatches, Rubber stoppers, no. 5, 2- and 3- hole, Latex tubing, 8 pulleys,16 ring stands & clamps, 8 Bunsen burners, 8 large graduated cylinders, large paper clips, copper tubing , hose clamps, heat resistant duct tape, fishing swivels Bus experiment: thermocouple, Anemometer

Assessment Students will be able to calculate DH (enthalpy) of combustion given a table of bond energies determine whether a reaction is exothermic or endothermic be able to write and balance chemical equations involving combustion and do simple stoichiometric calculations with thermochemical equations describe in general terms the operation of an internal combustion engine, steam engine and a fuel cell, demonstrate how to use the 1st law of thermodynamics and how to calculate efficiency critically evaluate what makes a good fuel be able to explain the greenhouse effect and how it relates to energy production

Assessment Quizzes on chemistry calculations, internal combustion, global warming, fuel cells Rubric will be developed and handed out to students in advance for experiments and synthesis

Module Development Plan Week 3: Continue work on module/ design & try out experiments, troubleshoot Week 4: Present progress report (continue w/ week 3 activities) Week 5: Continue work on module, try out experiments, troubleshoot Week 6: Finish module – Perform trial run of experiment(s), rehearse presentation Week 7: Present module at the RET Workshop